Mingo Central hoping to raise funds to complete athletic complex

There is a move to raise money to build the rest of the outdoor athletic facilities for Mingo Central High School.

Former principal Deborah Harris is spearheading the effort and is looking into possible grant money. She is getting help with looking for and writing the grants from Jenny Hudson of the Mingo County Diabetes Coalition.

“We still have the foundation that was started a couple of years ago,” Harris said. “That effort enabled the state of the art James H. “Buck” Harless Stadium to be built for football.

However, the new consolidated school still needs a soccer field, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts and a track.

Harris said there had been some money committed over a four year period when the foundation started. But, much more funding is needed.

“We will still need in-kind money or services and matching funds to raise enough to build the facilities,” Harris said.

There are some boosters who have pledged to help, Harris said. They include Marcella Charles, Patrick and Teresa Cline and Steve “Tib” Cook. Harris said that some of the original foundation members, including Sam Kapourales and Paul Pinson are still serving on the group.

“We are also asking our legislators for assistance,” Harris said. “We already have some letters of support for this project.”

When the state built the new consolidated high school, which combined Williamson, Matewan, Burch and Gilbert, they did not supply any money for the athletic facilities. Thanks to Buck Harless and others the football field was built.

However, the school still needs to raise money for the other athletic facilities. Harris hopes this new effort will help procure enough funding so the other athletic facilities for the Miners can be constructed.

Anyone interested in assisting with the fund raising or other aspects of the foundation can contact Harris at 606-237-7415 or MCHS principal Teresa Jones at the school at 304-426-6603. The foundation also has a webpage.

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